McCarthy slams Keane as a disruptive influence

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy today revealed Roy Keane was sent home from the World Cup after a clear-the-air meeting developed into a ‘‘slanging match’’ between the pair.

McCarthy said skipper Keane had been sent home because he was ‘‘a disruptive influence.’’

The Republic boss said: ‘‘I cannot and will not tolerate being spoken to with that level of abuse being thrown at me so I sent him home.’’

McCarthy defended his decision to send home Ireland’s captain and best player, adding: ‘‘I have made the right decision not only for the benefit of me but for the squad.

‘‘We will move on and be all right because we are collectively strong.

‘‘We all know his ability but when he makes a public and open show of his opinions and makes such public criticism everybody starts talking about it.’’

McCarthy, who was flanked by three senior players at the press conference Steve Staunton, who replaces him as captain, Niall Quinn and Alan Kelly added: ‘‘This is a huge decision but I am happy to go to the World Cup one man down rather than with a man who shows utter disregard and disrespect for me.’’

FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren confirmed the Republic would be most unlikely to draft anyone in to replace Keane.

He told Sky Sports News: ‘‘According to regulations a list of players has been nominated by May 21 and from then a player may only be replaced if there is a serious injury up to 72 hours before that team’s first match.

‘‘That does not appear to be the case with Roy Keane.’’

Meanwhile, Eamon Dunphy, who is writing Keane’s biography, claimed the player was a victim of his own courage and professionalism.

He said: ‘‘The management couldn’t take the criticism which was well deserved and this is disastrous.

‘‘It’s bad news for Irish soccer and the morale of the team will suffer. Their ability to accomplish the task is diminished and in who’s interest this is, I’m not sure.’’